With the aspiration of self improvement, many have jumped into 2014 with the goal set for new, more healthful lifestyles.
Whether it’s to get fit, eat more healthfully, save money or be a better, well-rounded person, the beginning of a new year means that many are working toward their New Year’s resolutions, or, at least, trying.
According to Forbes Magazine, two out of three people make a New Year’s resolution; however, only eight percent of those people achieve their goal.
A New Year’s resolution is like any other goal. It takes work, determination, willpower and an actual desire to change a behavior. But mostly, it is about sticking with a well thought out plan, taking it day by day, until a new habit is created that improves the body or mind or reduces stress or clutter.
Two of the most common resolutions are to lose weight and to quit smoking. Also topping the list, according to USA.gov, are getting fit, eating more healthfully, volunteering, saving money and managing stress. Many of the popular resolutions are related and are mostly connected to living a healthful lifestyle, which has been proven to reduce stress and help people stay organized in their personal and professional lives.
Although Greenwood area residents have not starting flocking to the gym, Fitness Manager Mariclaire Fancher of Advanced Fitness says usually around mid-January those wanting to lose weight will begin filling the gym.
“We had some right before Christmas to join. What we usually see is most people will try to diet first and then hit the gym,” said Fancher.
A common reason that some may not stick to their New Year’s resolution of losing weight is that they take on too much too soon. Those who have not exercised over an extended period have limited capabilities at first.
“People end up getting burned out when they set their goal too high, or they get lazy and begin making excuses,” said Francher. “You have to make it a priority to work out, and if you miss a day, go the next day.”
Francher recommends that first-time or backsliding gym goers should ease into their new routine.
“Depending on your age and size, if you can get into the gym for an hour three days a week, that’s great. Working out three hours a week is better than zero. If you want and can, get five hours.”
She also said that younger adults who want to start working out should consistently go to the gym two to four weeks for the new activity to become habit forming.
“If you work out regularly for a month, if you miss a day, you will feel like the day isn’t complete,” Francher said.
And for those who have started a new workout routine and are feeling twinges of pain from sore, achy muscles, don’t stop exercising. Switch to another activity that is less strenuous on the body, like stretching or biking.
Fancher, however, said that the goal should not be about losing weight, but rather it should be about living more healthfully.
“A lot of people come to the gym for the wrong reasons. You have to want a healthier lifestyle,” said Francher. “It’s not about how much you weigh; it’s about being healthy and living a healthy life.”
With health being the subject of most resolutions, it should be no surprise that quitting smoking is in the top ranks.
With many cities and businesses adopting smoke-free ordinances, smokers are getting a constant reminder of the many negative effects of cigarettes.
According to the American Lung Association, smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer and causes about 87 percent of cases. Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that are known to cause cancer, which can also cause nonsmokers who breathe in secondhand smoke to get lung cancer or other illnesses.
“I think quitting smoking is a popular resolution because of the health benefits, and many communities are focusing on getting healthy,” said Desiree Norwood, project director of the Leflore County Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition. “By quitting, you can save your life and the lives of those around you. The benefits are you reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Quitting smoking gives you more control over your life.”
Norwood said that the Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition is available to assist anyone who is interested in quitting smoking. The organization’s website, www.tobaccofreems.org, offers a directory of programs and resources. The Mississippi Quitline is also available and provides free medications and over-the-phone counseling for those interested in a smoke-free new year.
“You’re making a decision that has rewards,” said Norwood. “You’ll live a longer and healthier life and make an impact on your life as well as others’.”
Another useful resource for quitting smoking is Smokefree.gov. The site offers facts, statistics and a thorough quit plan to motive smokers to make a change.
Whether it’s weight loss or quitting smoking, or maybe it’s running in a 5K or learning a new skill, accomplishing a New Year’s resolution starts by taking the first step.
nContact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
